Why My Career is For Me
This might be the most important reflection that I have had recently.
I have reinvented my career in three industries over 10 years. I used to think this would come off as a weakness, but I now know it is my biggest advantage. Employers may think bouncing around jobs makes you flaky or unreliable, but to me this couldn’t be less true. I now contribute my success to this reason.
Since I’ve been a little girl I only ever wanted two careers:
Work in corporate Sales & Events at a renowned establishment; or
Employment in the Professional Sporting industry
Since the latter is an incredibly competitive and challenging industry with few opportunities, I decided to actively pursue the first option after graduating university with my commerce degree.
Post graduation, I obtained a Sales & Events job working at a premium downtown Vancouver Hotel - The Pan Pacific. I was fulfilled and proud of myself for reaching this goal. I worked hard, proved my abilities and I was even studying towards my CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation. However, with the professional sports dream always lingering, I would often check opportunities with the NHL Team in my city, Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE).
I didn’t have an inside relationship with any employees or know anybody who worked at CSE. Yet getting a job still felt reachable for me at some point. So I applied. After 3-months and 11 interviews I was offered a position in Premium Sales & Service. At the young age of 25, I was starting all over in my actual dream career. And a dream it was. I enjoyed 3 fulfilling years working at CSE achieving many milestones. All I could think about was what other professional leagues I could break into next and where this career could take me - New York. LA. Toronto?!? But in March 2020, this dream came to an end. The COVID Pandemic.
I thought to myself, "now what do I do." COVID has just wiped out the entire industry I identify myself with. I also can’t go back into hospitality, that industry also doesn’t exist right now.
Ok, Karly, think. What else have you always considered as a career, but have been too scared to try or admit. Real Estate Agent. Well, you are about to have no job, minimal options, and really nothing else to lose. Do it. 28 years old and I'm starting over for a third time.
It's now been a little over 3 years since I’ve been working as a Real Estate Agent with a Top 1% Vancouver Team and I couldn’t imagine anything else for myself. It’s the perfect combination of everything I loved in my previous careers:
Providing genuine service & helping my clients,
Developing relationships & bonds,
Proving my dominance & wit in a more male dominated industry,
Being high detailed oriented & organized,
Establishing marketing plans & creative thinking.
But the best part, I work for me.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well - it’s made me realize that my super power is believing in myself and always going after what I want. Nothing is impossible, even during hard times. I’m only in my third decade of life, but I’m humbled knowing that these experiences have brought me to exactly where I am meant to be.
Me switching careers three times was never because I was bored, unfulfilled or had a short attention span and just needed to “change it up”. It was merely because I was always chasing a bigger dream and wanted to prove to myself, and others, that I could.
I have put in hours of work dedicated to my previous employers and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to choose myself. This career feels like it’s forever and it’s for me!
I hope you will resonant with these feelings and perhaps think of me for your next real estate transaction. I promise you won't regret your decision.
Please get in touch!
